JUSTICE JOTTINGS
February 2021
|
|
|
|
A Time to Reach Out to the LGBT Community
Miguel Ochoa and Jose Martinez, members of the LGBT Initiative Team, share their hope that this Lent could be a time to reconnect LGBT Catholics and the rest of the Church.
What are you giving up this year?
It is time, once again, for the infamous question to begin bouncing around from Catholic to Catholic. We are beginning the season of Lent: a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. But, when the season ends and we have reached the pinnacle of our liturgical year at Easter, what happens next? Besides indulging in chocolate, french fries, and margaritas (at least here in San Antonio), what do we see in our reflection of the six weeks past? We’ve all heard, “Rather than giving something up, what can you do to help make the season more meaningful?”
During this time in our history, we find ourselves in deep anticipation of the days when we can freely and safely go out to dinner without checking to make sure we have our masks. We wonder when we can gather once again with our friends and loved ones and embrace, simply sit in one another’s living rooms to talk about life‘s ups, downs, and not have to remain at least six feet apart. This time of uncertainty, of solitude, of separation, should reflect the same desire in our hearts as we long for the return of Christ in the Resurrection.
Unfortunately, these are also the words used to describe how many members of the LGBTQ community feel when asked about their relationship with the Catholic Church. (Read more...)
|
|
A Deeper Promise this Lenten Season
Shannon Clarke, a member of the Death Penalty Abolition/Restorative Justice Team, shares a reflection about how we might use the time of Lent to connect more deeply with the issues and needs of the human family.
The Lenten season is upon us and as a Marianist, I know I am called to do more than just give up my vices of ice cream and swearing as I prepare my heart for Jesus. Last year our Lenten promises might have looked different as we navigated the unknowns of this pandemic. As we have become more familiar with the new “norms” there are ways in which we can celebrate the work that is being done in various communities across the country that advocate for social justice even with the barriers of the pandemic. As the Marianist Family we have learned to navigate these barriers and have been able to safely come together in prayer, in education, and in advocacy. (Read more…)
|
|
“I was a stranger and you invited me in”
Pam Orlowicz, a member of the Immigrant Justice Team, shares a reflection after participating in an Ash Wednesday Vigil.
“...I was a stranger and you invited me in...” Matt 25:35
My husband Chuck and I attended a vigil sponsored by Pax Christi and First Friends this morning at Liberty State Park, NJ. It was held opposite Ellis Island, where countless immigrants were welcomed into this country. The takeaway for me was that we must continue to be advocates for the people in ICE detention and all people who have come to this country for safety and for building a better life for their families. Though the rhetoric is softer since the change in administrations, those seeking justice for immigrants and asylum seekers must continue to be the voice for the voiceless. ICE is still treating detainees inhumanely and continues to arrest and deport people indiscriminately.
As I sat in the car before we left, I had a clear picture of Lady Liberty - her back to me. For me, it spoke loudly and clearly about the current policies of our country which offer no welcome to those who seek a better life here. We can’t change the direction of the Statue of Liberty from our view in NJ, but we can do something to see that justice and mercy become a part of our immigration policies. Ellis Island is closed but we cannot close our hearts to those who continue to come here seeking a new home and a new start in life.
Looking for something to do for Lent? There are tons of resources on the internet which deal with immigration. Ask Google for help and become involved in some way.
|
|
ONLINE OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES FOR LEARNING & GROWING |
|
LAUDATO SI' LENT
The Catholic Climate Covenant has compiled resources from many faith-based organizations for living an environmentally conscious Lent.
AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US:
Lent, Forgiveness, and Restorative Justice
When: Thursday, March 4, 7:30-9:00 p.m. EST
Panelists:
- Sr. Donna Liette works with mothers who have lost children to violence or. incarceration
- Leonard Rubio - While incarcerated at San Quentin, he created the Responsibility, Rehabilitation, & Restoration Interfaith Roundtable that promotes restorative justice between prisoners and volunteers from many faith and ethnic backgrounds.
- Bill Fischer serves as Vice President for Student Development at the U. of Dayton where he focuses on student conduct, conflict resolution systems, and crisis/risk management
Register: Click here to register and receive the Zoom link.
Sponsored by the MSJC Death Penalty Abolition & Restorative Justice Team
"ANOTHER NANE FOR EVERY THING" – Join the discussion
Join the Adele Social Justice Project this Lent for a 7-week series of prayer, reflection and conversation about this podcast series.
When: Series begins on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 8-9 pm (EST)
Each week participants will listen individually to 2 episodes of Another Name for Every Thing - a podcast series based on Richard Rohr's book, The Universal Christ. The group will engage in weekly one-hour conversations and reflections via Zoom about the connections between action & contemplation.
CATHOLIC RESTORATIVE JUSTICE NETWORK WEBINAR
What: 6 part webinar series on restorative justice principles and practices.
It is for anyone actively participating in or interested in getting involved in restorative justice ministry (those who need new skills or need to update practices). Sponsored by the California Catholic Restorative Justice Network.
When: Begins on Feb. 21. Ends on May 20
Info & Register: Click here for more information and registration link
MINISTRY WITH TRANSGENDER PERSONS
Fortunate Families is offering 3 different series of presentations/discussions for Church ministers. One series is for priests, one is for deacons and one is for religious women and men. Click here for information and registration for each of these series.
|
|
MSJC TRANSITIONS
Our recent MSJC Steering Committee annual meeting was a time of transition. Marge Cavanaugh officially became the new chair, replacing Bro. Frank O’Donnell who had been chair for the past 6 years. We bid farewell to three stalwarts of the Steering Committee whose terms were ending – LeeAnn Meyer (a member for 4 years), Bro. Frank (9 years) and Sr. Grace Walle, who holds the record, having served for 15 years! In addition, we welcomed 2 new members – Paul Combest, representing the Marianist Lay Community of No. America, and Bro. Steve O’Neil, representing the SM Province.
We extend our thanks to LeeAnn, Grace and Frank for their long-term commitment to MSJC and the cause of social justice, and we welcome Steve and Paul, with their new vision, new energy and new ideas.
|
|
RESOURCES
Fratelli Tutti – Study Guide
The USCCB Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development has released a Study Guide (en Español) on Fratelli Tutti for groups or individuals. It includes six sessions with prayers, chapter summaries, discussion questions, and suggestions for action and further study.
From Pax Christi USA - Nuclear Weapons are Now Illegal
|
|
|
|
And suddenly you know - it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.
Meister Eckhart
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wondering what to do with a government relief/stimulus check? If you don't need it for necessities, consider donating it to MSJC.
Questions, comments, or feedback for Justice Jottings can be sent to Jim Vogt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
